Biological stimulant foaming application

ABSTRACT

In conclusion, our claim is the process of introducing biological stimulants as manufactured by various entities through a compressed air foaming procedure. This process includes the use of a typical hydraulic jet cleaner truck to which a specialized foam generating system is integrated. The foam generating system consists of a solution pump through which the chemical agent is mixed into a stream of compressed air to create a foam, which, when used to apply within a pipe, is then ejected from the terminus of a specialized nozzle as described in paragraph  0009  above. When used for structural applications other than pipe, the foam may be applied by the foaming system without utilization of the hydraulic jet cleaner or via a portable independent foam generating system instead. The use of a hydraulic jet cleaner itself is a significantly unique concept in applying these forms of chemicals as they are generally just poured or sprayed onto the target area or down a drain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is being presented for a utility patent pertaining to a new process of applying biological stimulant agents to pipelines and related structures in order to eliminate or reduce FOG (fat, oil and grease) elements as well as associated odors.

These stimulants are agents that increase cellular metabolism of a wide variety of naturally occurring micro-organisms, allowing increased functionality that induces more efficient digestion of grease and filamentous growth, while also decreasing Hydrogen-Sulfide levels and odors. Our concern with this application is again with the application process, not the agents themselves.

These biological stimulant agents, of which there are numerous products commercially available, have been intended for use through simple “pour down the drain” procedures or introduction through chemical-injection pumps or sprayers. These processes do not always allow the agent in use to affectively reach the intended target area, especially in open channel flow systems where the pipe is less than full with fluid on the bottom and atmospheric conditions above. Even structural formations where direct application through spraying techniques can easily be performed can have limited results due to rapid run off of chemical agent. It is these aforementioned limitations to which our new foaming process is addressed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a proposed new delivery process whereby a biological stimulant, as provided by various manufacturers, may be introduced into a drain, sewer line or other structural basin through a foam generating process. As previously stated, this stimulant is an agent that increases cellular metabolism of a wide variety of naturally occurring micro-organisms, allowing increased functionality that induces more efficient digestion of grease and filamentous growth, while also decreasing Hydrogen-Sulfide levels and odors. The proposed methodology described below is unique in that, to the best of our knowledge, such an application process for these particular products has not been utilized before. The advantage of our proposed process is an overall enhanced method of allowing the agent to come into contact with the entire surface of the pipe or structure, not just the portion below the flow line, but the un-wetted perimeter as well. Other processes just add the agent into the flow which does not as readily access the micro-organisms that may be found above the flow line. Our proposed use of a foaming surfactant will act as a carrier for the stimulant to introduce it above the flow level as well and provide a means of better contact to those affected areas. The use of a hydraulic jet action cleaner, as described below, to initially propel the delivery nozzle through the line is considered important to remove extraneous debris and grit that cannot be digested by micro-organisms and flush them through the targeted line to allow better contact between the biological agent and the material with which it is intended to act upon. Grease does not readily flush with a jet cleaner as it tends to form and adhere to the walls of a pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Not Applicable

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Step 1—Accessing Target Area: A hydraulic jet cleaner shall be utilized to propel a 2-stage nozzle through a typical municipal sewer line from a manhole access point. A 2-stage nozzle consists of a nozzle located at the end of the cleaner hose that, unlike a typical sewer cleaner nozzle that is enclosed at the end with rearward facing ports for propelling itself through pipe by high pressure water jet action, features a spring loaded valve that opens or closes a forward facing port. Sufficient water pressure will push against the face of the valve, compressing the spring and forcing the forward facing port closed, allowing water to only flow out of the usual small diameter rearward facing holes with sufficient force to propel the hose through the targeted pipe line. Once the targeted point to begin application is reached and the water flow is turned off, the valve will reopen due to the spring's compressive force, once again opening the forward facing port. Under the much lower pressure reached by the foaming process to be described below, this valve will remain open to provide a pathway for the foam to escape as the hose is retrieved at a pre-determined rate based on the particular pipe diameter being treated. A standard sewer cleaner nozzle will not suffice as without a large enough forward facing port, a foam of proper consistency cannot be generated through the small rearward facing jetting ports which can only generate a very wet foam that will not raise up above the flow to fill the pipe or cling to a vertical like structure. A foam of the approximate consistency of shaving cream is required to fill the pipe without slumping down so as to bring the foam, now acting as the carrier for the biological agent, into contact with the entire pipe surface. As mentioned above, this jetting action flushes the pipe of extraneous debris while the use of a 2-stage nozzle precludes manned entry into a confined space at the other end of the hose to open valves or change/remove jet nozzle. It also allows for stoppage at a point of no access. The use of the water jet in this case is not a cleaning action, which uses a high pressure scouring action as the hose and nozzle are retrieved, but only a means of propulsion and light flushing.

Step 2—Application of Biological Stimulant: The foaming system must consist of a means of combining the biological stimulant, a foaming surfactant and compressed air in the appropriate amounts to create the proper consistency foam and dilution strength, and then pumping this mixture through the above mentioned hose to expel through the nozzle. The biological agent and surfactant may be prepared as a solution or independently either prior to or after step 1 above. After the nozzle has been positioned as described in step 1, the mixture may then begin to be pumped into the output hose. Check valves shall be installed so as to prevent any dilution from flowing accidently backwards into the main jetting water reservoir or likewise, high water pressure from the jet pump flowing into the foaming system. Since the hose is still filled with water after being propelled through the line, this is first expelled through the end of the nozzle prior to the foam. The foam is at a low enough pressure to allow the valve located in the nozzle to remain open. Depending on the diameter of the pipe, the hose is retrieved at a predetermined rate to properly fill the void. When the hose is at a pre-determined distance, depending on its length, and subsequent volume, the solution flow is turned off while the air pressure remains on to expel the remaining foam from the hose so as to eliminate as much wastage as possible. Upon completion, the air pressure is then turned off and the hose is rinsed with water from the high pressure water pump prior to removing from the manhole. This method can also be used on structures such as manholes and other basins by spraying foam directly from the end of the hose without the need of water jetting first.

Steps 1 and 2 above are as originally stated in the provisional patent filing. The following is in furtherance of the last sentence of paragraph 0010 above; “This method can also be used on structures such as manholes and other basins by spraying foam directly from the end of the hose without the need of water jetting first.” These structures may consist of, but not be limited to manholes, grease traps, septic tanks, distribution boxes, dry wells and wet wells. Jetting, or rinsing, is not as important a factor here since the surfaces of the target area in these instances are generally not as contaminated as those found in pipelines due the physical nature of grease floating to the surface of an open container, whereas in a pipe it may be inundated at times where whatever contaminates or debris being carried by the flow of water may cover the grease. The use of foam is still advantageous under these circumstances since as in pipelines, the foam can cling to vertical surfaces, keeping the chemical agent in contact with the target area for a longer period of time. Even on horizontal surfaces the foam tends to act as a time release agent that enhances the ability of the chemical agent to be absorbed into the target area rather than simply being drained away as overflow.

In those cases where foaming of structures are involved without the necessity of using a hydraulic jet cleaner, independent foam generators may be used instead. These are smaller, more portable units that also use a combination of compressed air and chemical solution to generate the proper consistency of foam.

The consistency of the foam to be applied is based on the foam to solution ratio. This foam to solution ratio should be 20:1 (20 gallons of foam to 1 gallon of solution). This ratio represents a consistency that creates an acceptable clinging foam for optimum results. 

1. Our first claim is the application of biological stimulant agents, combined with foam forming surfactants, to pipelines and related structures through use of a hydraulic jet cleaner and integrated compressed air foam generating system. Our second claim is the application of biological stimulant agents, combined with foam forming surfactants, to pipelines and related structures through use of a compressed air foam generating system. 